How To Practice Piano

Piano is an instrument that has long been known as a symbol of extremely fine taste in music and of belonging to the genteel rich class. Its versatile sounds can be used to portray any different moods, especially when we think of all those silent films of yesteryears. The music in these films varied from frightening to happy and later to melancholic or even mysterious. Those who have learnt it, however, know the importance of practicing regularly. They also know the importance of timing their practice sessions to utilize the time effectively and get the best out of each session. There are some ways in which one can get the best out of each session of piano practice. Here are some tips to practice piano effectively.

 

Here are some tips to maximizing your piano practice sessions:

 

Scheduled Practice 

Since it is high on your priority list to practice piano and get it right, it is understood that you will schedule some time exclusively for it as we do take time out for what we consider important. The schedule that you will chalk out should suit your daily work schedule too and should also accommodate time for piano practice. Since it is accepted that watching television is the most wasteful way to spend time, one could cut down TV watching to accommodate piano lessons. There may be times when it just wouldn’t be possible for you to take time out for piano practice, when you will be extremely busy with other engagements – there may be a social event at home or you may be stuck at the office late. In such times, make sure you take time for the same practice on a weekend or some other time. Your schedule should also tell you exactly how much time you will devote to practicing each of the pieces – the new lessons as well as the old ones.

 

Lo(o)se Your Fingers 

It will be easy for you if you begin with a few easy warm up exercise, which will help develop technique; it is quite impossible to be a good musician without being proficient in technique. For instance, practicing the various scales is an excellent way to warm up before you begin the actual practice. Also, there is a wide range of books that will tell you about the ways to warm up your fingers before you begin the real practice session.

 

What’s New? 

Though interesting and challenging, the toughest part of any practice session is to begin to learn a new piece. Look at the key signature to check how many sharps and flats are in the piece. Also, make sure to look at the time signature at each note. Carefully look through the whole piece to get an estimate of what you will be playing. Remember that to be able to practice effectively you must play each hand alone and only then put them together.

 

Keep The Morale 

For almost a week, you may be stuck at the same lesson or piece of song and you might soon begin to feel frustrated. Remember to keep all such negative feelings at bay, as they will prevent you from learning anything new. Negative feelings of getting too worked up or getting frustrated when things do not go your way will prevent you from ever getting ahead in your lessons. If you remember to schedule and time each practice sessions carefully and practice regularly, trying to miss as less number of practice sessions, you will definitely move ahead in your lessons.